This week is a double feature!
A Sweet Romance
Wind ripped through my hair as I stood at the edge, my eyes closed. My toes curled in the dirt. Waves crashed against the cliff below, and friends and classmates shouted and laughed. All I needed to do was jump.
Yet my knees locked, and my body strained to curl in on itself. My breathing labored, my lungs seeking quick, short breaths.
A high-pitched squeal overwhelmed my senses as someone leaped to the side of me. She screamed as she fell, and cheers echoed around the cove.
Fear twisted in my stomach. I wavered, almost tipping over. Every vein pounded inside me, and I began gasping.
“Carol?” His voice was smooth, husky, and calming.
I tried to reply, but my mouth was too dry. Warm hands grabbed my bare arms, pulling me away from the edge.
“You don’t have to jump,” he whispered.
Eyes still closed, I shook my head. “I want to.”
He hummed. “Do you trust me?”
I stilled, his breath against my ear, his hands trailing up and down my arms. No, but a part of me wanted to.
I nodded.
Strong arms wrapped around me, and we plunged off the cliff. I screamed, but he never let go. Terror stilled me as we plunged into the ocean, and he pulled me to the surface.
I finally opened my eyes, meeting his blue-greens.
“Ready to go again?” he asked.
Captivated by his smile, I nodded. This time, I’d open my eyes.
The Darkside of Love
I closed my eyes as they dropped the first shovelful of dirt into the hole before me. Chills ran down my spine as the dirt clattered against the wooden coffin. I couldn’t watch, but I couldn’t leave, either.
The shovel cut through the dirt, metal scrapping against earth, then dirt fell and clattered again. Over and over, occasionally accompanied by the grunting of the graveyard’s caretaker.
I knew people stood behind me. Family, friends, his parents. They kept vigil with me, silent as their hearts beat in hurt.
I remained still the entire time, listening to the sound of dirt. Feeling the cool air kiss my exposed skin. The breeze turned cold as the sun sank, but still I remained.
Occasionally footsteps pattered away behind me, crunching through fallen leaves or belonging to heavy boots. I should tell them farewell, give them hugs and kisses and thanks for their support. At least look into their eyes and meet their grief with my own.
But I couldn’t.
My eyes were sealed closed, and it was all I could do to just listen.
Thin arms wrapped around my shoulders, and eventually the sound of dirt ended. He was finally buried.
His mother cried as she walked away.
Still I remained, eyes closed, tears tracks dried on my cheeks.
He’d left me. We’d promised to be together forever, and death wouldn’t stop us. Me.
When I finally opened my eyes, it was with a plan, with fresh determination.
Tonight, we’d be together again.
For more enchanting Wednesday Words by other authors, check out the official Wednesday Words page!